Ambulatory system

ABSTRACT

An ambulatory system for use by debilitated ambulatory patients and the like. The system consists of a track network including a primary track, which extends the length of communicating corridors, and a plurality of secondary tracks, each extending from a point in close proximity with the primary track, and terminating at a point remote therefrom, and a travelling truck, supported by the track network, having a harness depending therefrom for substantially supporting the weight of a human body in suspension for assisting the patients in walking along the corridors as well as to enter and depart from various areas through which the secondary tracks are extended.

United States Patent [191 Pettit 1 Dec. 25, 1973 1 1 AMBULATORY SYSTEM[76] Inventor: Marshall G. Pettit, 255 E. Sandra,

Tulare, Calif. 93274 [22] Filed: Jan. 31,1972

[21] Appl. No.: 221,950

[52] US. Cl. 104/1 R, 35/29 C, 104/91,

105/148, 119/96, 128/25 R, 272/70, 188/43 [51] Int. Cl B6lb 13/00 [58]Field of Search 104/1, 88, 89-94,

104/130; 105/148, 150; 119/96; 272/70; 35/29 R, 29 C; 128/25 R [56]References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 755,478 3/1904 Gilmour 104/91957,757 5/1910 Fitzgerald.. 104/91 3,404,637 10/1969 Lerch 104/96272,431 2/1883 Harrington.... 104/103 3,314,376 4/1967 Lerch et a1.104/130 3,583,322 6/1971 Vykukal.... 104/1 R 1,848,963 3/1932 McKenny...104/91 293,832 2/1884 Wildman 104/89 2,589,803 3/1952 Haley 104/94FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 9,426 4/1909 Great Britain 104/89Primary ExaminerGerald M. Forlenza Assistant Examiner-Richard A. BertschAttorney-Herbert A. Huebner et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT ing the weight of a human body in suspension for assistingthe patients in walking along the corridors as well as to enter anddepart from various areas through which the secondary tracks areextended.

14 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PAIENTED DEC 2 5 I973 MUZUFQ Mvl m QPATENTEU M62 5 I973 SIEEIBGFB AMBULATORY SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION The invention relates to an ambulatory system particularlysuited for use by those having debilitating ambulatory conditions suchas is prevalent among patients including the aged and the crippled.

Numerous attempts have been made to provide practical solutions to theage-old problem of assisting patients and the like having debilitatedambulatory conditions, particularly those who have lost their strengthor limbs, due to age, accident, combat and the like. Among the devicescurrently employed are wheel chairs, crutches and canes, as well asprosthetic devices including artificial limbs of various types.Unfortunately, all of these devices suffer a common deficiency in thatuntil a patient attains strength sufficient for supporting himself, henecessarily must be aided by another as he attempts to ambulate.Consequently, when employing currently available devices, it often isnecessary that a patient have strength sufficient for supporting himselfor, alternatively, rely upon the assistance of another. In manyinstances, assistance from others is not readily forthcoming and thepatient is unavoidably confined, often to his detriment.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of theinstant invention to provide an ambulatory system which overcomes theaforementioned difficulties and disadvantages.

It is another object to provide an ambulatory system which affordspatients an opportunity to walk between selected points, without theassistance of another.

It is another object to provide an ambulatory system which readily canbe employed in hospitals, homes and the like for use by those havingdebilitated ambulatory capabilities.

It is another object to provide a safe, economic, and practical systemfor unaided use by those having insufficient strength, muscular controland/or limbs for ambulation along corridors, walkways and the like.

These and other objects and advantages are achieved by employing anambulatory system which includes a track network including a primarytrack extended along major corridors of a building or the like, and aplurality of secondary tracks extending from a point in close proximitywith the primary track to areas remote therefrom such as hospital rooms,dining rooms, bathrooms and other areas normally frequented byambulatory patients.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view ofafragmented portion of an ambulatory system embodying the principles ofthe instant invention which includes a primary track, a plurality ofsecondary tracks and a plurality of bridges, each supporting a pivotaltransfer track for coupling a secondary track with the primary track.FIGS. 2 and 3 are pictorial illustrations depicting one manner in whichthe system of FIG. 1 is employed.

FIG. 4 is a fragmented, top plan view of a portion of the primary track,a secondary track, and a bridge supporting a transfer track including amanually operable actuator for pivotally displacing the transfer track.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the structure shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a fragmented top plan view taken generally along line 6-6 ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, front elevation taken generally along line 7-7 ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a fragmented elevational view, on an enlarged scale, takengenerally along line 8-8 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a sectional plan view, on an enlarged scale, taken generallyalong line 99 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a partially sectioned, fragmentary view, on an enlargedscale, of the truck shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a fragmented, front elevation of the truck shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a partially sectioned plan view taken generally along line12-42 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a harness which is particularly suitedfor use with the system of the instant invention.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a modified form of the bridgewhich includes an electrically energizable actuator for pivotallydisplacing the transfer track.

FIG. 15 is a fragmented view of the actuator shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a partially sectioned elevation of the actuator shown inFIGS. 14 and 15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawingswherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding partsthroughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 an ambulatorysystem, generally designated 10, which embodies the principles of theinstant invention.

The system of the instant invention is hereinafter described for use bypatients in a hospital environment. However, it is to be understood thatthe system can be employed by any person suffering from a debilitatedambulatory capability in any environment wherein it is desirable toassist such a person in transferring himself between selected areas suchas dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, community rooms, utility rooms andthe like.

As shown, the system 10 includes a segmented primary track 12 extendedalong a corridor l3 and a plurality of secondary tracks 14 which extendfrom a point adjacent to the track through doorways 15 into rooms, notshown, of various types. A transfer track 16 is provided for selectivelyintegrating each of the secondary tracks 14 with the primary track 12 sothat the network 10 can selectively be integrated to include all of thesecondary tracks 14, as well as the primary track 12.

The primary track 12 and the secondary tracks 14 preferably aresupported in suspension by a plurality of suspension rods 18 fixed tosuitable anchors, not shown, fixed within the ceiling of the corridorand the rooms. While the suspension rods 18 form no specific part of theinstant invention, is is to be understood that the rods 18 are of asuitable length for supporting the I network of tracks 10 at suitableelevations which the anchors include suitable structure capable of withstanding the combined weight of tracks and one or more patients as theyemploy the network 10.

It is further to be understood that the primary and/or secondary tracks12 and 14, respectively, can be fabricated employing back-to-backextruded structural shapes including angles and T-bars or any suitablecombinations thereof. In any event, it is to be understood that each ofthe tracks 12, I4 and 16 includes horizontal surfaces 19, FIG. 4, forsupporting thereon a rolling truck 20.

The truck 20 includes a pair of laterally spaced vertically orientedside plates 22 supporting therebetween a plurality of pairs of rollers23, mounted through suitable bearings 24 on the plates 22. In practice,the surfaces I9 of the tracks of the network it) are provided by a pairof coplanar, laterally extended members 26 of the extruded shapes whilesurfaces of vertical portions of the shapes serve as a guide 28. Thisguide is interposed between the rollers 23 as the rollers are supportedby the lateral members 26 and impart lateral support to the truck. It istherefore to be understood that the truck 20 is afforded a rollingmotion along the network as it is supported vertically by the surfacesof the lateral members 26 and supported laterally by the surfaces of theguide 28.

From the truck there is suspended a patientsupporting harness 30. Asbest illustrated in FIG. 13, the harness 30 is fabricated from suitablestraps 32 of webbing material having a plurality of buckles 34 whichpermit a patient to don the harness 30 in a manner somewhat similar tothat in which a parachute harness is strapped to the human body. Itwill, of course, be appreciated that the configuration of the harnessemployed is dictated, in part, by the severity of a patients condition.Hence, the harness 30 can be replaced with specialized structure evenmore suited to specific needs of a patient.

As shown, the harness 30 is provided with a pair of hanger eyes 36through which the harness 30 is suspended from a hanger bar 38. A pairof lines is extended between the eyes 36 and the bar 38 and serves tosupport a patient strapped in the harness 30 in suspension. The lines 40are coupled with the eyes 36 and the hanger bar 38 by any suitablemeans, including spring-biased snaps, open hooks and the like, notdesignated.

The hanger bar 38, in turn, depends from a reversely driven drum 42through a suspension line 44 connected with the hanger bar 38 at itsmidsection. The drum 42 is supported by a bracket 45 and includes asuitable reel 46 mounted in the bracket, FIG. 11, coupled in a drivenrelationship with a reversible electric motor 48 ofa suitable design andconstruction. The motor 48, in turn, is connected with a suitable sourceof electrical energy, not shown, through suitable leads, also not shown.It will, of course, be appreciated that. the leads are suitablysupported for being paid-out and retracted as the truck 20 traverses thenetwork 10, so that the motor 48 can be operated for winding thesuspension line 44 about the reel 46, for elevating the hanger bar 38and thereafter reversed for unwinding the suspension line 44 forlowering a patient at any point along the network 10.

In practice, a selector switch 50 is interposed between the motor 48 andthe source of energy and is so designed and positioned as to reverselyenergize the motor for both forward and reversed rotation, as well as toimpose a de-energized condition thereon. Control of the switch 50 isachieved through a pivotally supported control bar 52, coupled with theswitch in any.

suitable manner, having selector leads 54 depending from its oppositeends to be grasped by a patient or an attendant for selectivelymanipulating the switch by imparting a pivotal displacement to the bar.

In given instances and environments, it is desirable to delete the motor48 and include in lieu thereof a manually driven gear train for drivingthe reel 46. In such instances, a hand-operated gear train, not shown,including a selectively operable ratchet mechanism of a suitable designcan be employed quite satisfactorily.

It is to be understood that once a patient has been attached to thetruck 20, through the harness 30 and suitably elevated through anoperation of the drum 42, the truck 20 partially supports the weight ofthe patient while the patient is afforded an opportunity to propelhimself. Accordingly, it is desirable to include a brake unit 56, FIG.10, which arrests motion of the truck 20 in response to changes in theweight supported thereby so that in the event a patient becomesincapacitated and is unable to support himself to a preselected extentmotion of the truck automatically halts.

The brake unit 56 includes a plurality of brake pads 58 supported at thedistal ends of a plurality of horizontally extended, pivotally supportedbrake bars 60 arranged in fore-and-aft pairs. The particular manner inwhich the pads 58 are coupled to the bars 60 is a matter of convenience,however, as best illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, a vertically disposedstem 62, orthogonally related to the distal end of the brake bars 60,functions quite satisfactorily for this purpose.

The brake bars 60 are pivotally coupled with the side plates 22 by pivotpins 64. These pins serve as fulcrums about which the bars 60 arepivoted for driving the pads 58 into frictional engagement with thelower surfaces of the lateral members 26 for thereby establishing abraking coupling therebetween. Of course, reversed pivotal motion of thebrake bars 60 in an opposite direction serves to disengage the brakepads 58 from the lower surfaces of the lateral members 26 and thusreleases the previously established braking coupling.

The drum 42 is coupled with the innermost end of the brake bars 60through a pivotal coupling 66 fixed to the upper end of a support shaft68 vertically extended from the bracket 45. The support shaft 68 isfixed to the bracket by any suitable means, including a flattened head72. The coupling 66 includes an upper transverse plate 74 and a lowertransverse plate 76 arranged in spaced parallelism with the plate 74. Asa practical matter, each of the outermost edges of the plate 76 isturned toward the plate 74 in order to provide a lip 78 which togetherfunctions as a pair of stops for a pair of actuator bars 80 extendedbetween the plates of the coupling 66.

The coupling 66 is interposed between the adjacent ends of thefore-and-aft pairs of brake bars 60 while the actuator bars 80 extendbetween and serve to unite the innermost ends of the bars 60 of eachpair. Therefore, it should be apparent that axial reciprocating motionimparted to the support shaft 68 serves to elevate and lower the plates74 and 76 so that the bars 80 are ele vated and lowered in response tothe reciprocating motion. This motion is imparted to the brake bars 60which pivot about the pivot pins 64 for thereby causing the pads 58 toengage and disengage the lowermost surfaces of the lateral members 26.

Since a downward displacement of the shaft 68 results in the pads 58being brought into braking engagement with surfaces of the lateralmembers 26, it can readily be appreciated that a patient can stop themotion of the truck 20 simply by permitting the harness 30 to supporthis total weight.

' most end of the spring 32 abuts the plate 76 so that the spring iscaused to act against the plates 76 and 84 for supporting a compressingload applied thereto through the shaft 68. Hence, the effective force ofthe spring 82 readily can be varied by repositioning the retention plate84 along the hanger bolts 86. Thus, it should readily be apparent thatthe weight required for activating the brake unit 56 can be varied.Hence, for a given patient, the spring 82 can be adjusted to accommodatethe patients strength and weight in order that the patient support adeterminable portion, or all of his weight on his legs and ambulate. Inthe event it becomes desirable to arrest the motion of the truck 20, agiven portion of the patients weight, applied to the hanger bar 38,activates the brake unit 56. A similar result is achieved in the eventthe patient slips, falls or becomes unconscious.

Each of the transfer tracks 16 is supported by a suspended bridge 100.Since all of the bridges 100 are of a similar design and construction, adetailed description of a single one of the bridges is deemed sufficientto provide an adequate understanding of the instant invention.

Turning for a moment to FIGS. 4 and 5, it is noted that the bridge 100is coupled with and supports the adjacent ends of adjacent segments ofthe tracks 12 and the tracks 14, as well as the transfer track 16. Eachof the tracks 16 is supported for pivotal displacement into alignmentwith adjacent segments of the primary track 12, for thus completing theprimary track through the bridge 100. Alternatively, the transfer track16 can be displaced into contiguous engagement with an adjacent end ofone of the tracks 14 for thereby establishing an uninterrupted junctureof the tracks 12 and 14, while simultaneously interrupting the track 12.

In order to support the adjacent end portions of the tracks 12 and 14,the bridge 100 includes a pair of horizontally oriented, laterallydiverging support beams 104 and 106. The beams 104 and 106 are coupledtogether by welding and the like, with the longitudinal axis of the beam104 being in parallelism with the longitudinal axis of the track 12. Thebeam 106 extends from the beam 104 and terminates with its distal endpositioned above the adjacent end portion of the track 14. In practice,the beam 104 is united with one end of an adjacent segment of the track12 by a suspension bar 108 while the adjacent segment of the track 12 isunited with the opposite end of the beam 104 through a suspension bar110. Similarly, the distal end of the beam 106 is united with the track14 through a suspension bar 112. The bridge 100 is, in turn, supportedby a hanger 114 depending from the ceiling and coupled with the bridge100 by a transverse hanger bracket 116 fixed to the beams 104 and 106 byany suitable means, including bolts, welds and the like. It should beappreciated that the tracks 12 and 14 are united through the bridges 100into a rigid, fully integrated unit.

One end of each of the transfer tracks 16 is supported within one of thebridges 100 by a vertically extended suspension bolt 118. This boltincludes one end fixed to the beam 104 while the lowermost end thereofis provided with a head 120, positioned beneath one end of the transfertrack 16, immediately adjacent one end of a segment of the primary track12. The opposite end of the transfer track 16 is supported by asuspension bolt 122 depending from the distal end portion of a transferarm 124, pivotally coupled at its base to the distal end of a rigidclevis 126. Thus, the arm 124 is supported for pivotal displacement in ahorizontal plane.

As a practical matter, the distal portion of the transfer arm 124 issupported in a vertical plane by a laterally extended transfer bracket128. The transfer bracket 128 includes a laterally extended slot 130supported at one end by a hanger 132 coupled with the beam 104, and ahanger 134 coupled between its opposite end and the beam 106. The slot130 slidingly receives therein the transfer arm 124 and accommodateslateral displacement of the arm so that the suspension bolt 122 can bedisplaced from a plane passing vertically through the longitudinal axisof the track 12, to an angularly related plane passing verticallythrough the axis of symmetry of the track 14. Thus, the one end of thetransfer track 16 is supported in a manner such that selectiveintegration of the transfer track 16 with a combination of the tracks 12and 14, or simply the track 12, is facilitated.

As a practical matter, the bracket 128 is fabricated employing a pair ofsubstantially parallel, vertically spaced beams 136 coupled with thehangers 132 and 134 in any suitable manner, including bolts, welds andthe like.

The clevis 126, in turn, is suspended from the beam 104 by a suitablebolt 138 fixed thereto. The bolt 138 is welded in place and is rigidlyfixed to both the beam 104 and the clevis 126. The clevis is supportedto extend along an axis bisecting the angle formed between the beams 104and 106. About the bolt there is mounted a concentrically arrangedanchor 140, provided for one end of an over-center spring 142. Theopposite end of the spring 142 is fastened to the transfer arm 124, by asuitable bracket I44 suitably spaced from the clevis 126. Thus, thespring 142 serves as the tension member for continuously urging thetransfer arm 124 in pivotal displacement, about the adjacent end of theclevis 126, to a seated position in either of two bistable positions,FIG. 9. Accordingly, it is to be understood that as the transfer arm 124is advanced to a seated position within a plane passing through the axisof symmetry of the track 14, the spring 142 is first elongated, as thearm 124 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the clevis 126, andthereafter permitted to contract as the transfer arm positions thetransfer track 16 adjacent the end of the secondary track 14. Of course,a reverse effect is achieved as the transfer track 16 is repositionedinto alignment with the adjacent segments of the primary track 12.

In order to assist in maintaining the transfer arm 124 in either of itsbistable positions, the arm 124 is provided with a pair of spring-biasedlatches 146 and 148 and a pair of fixed latch pins 150 and 152 forsupporting the transfer arm 124 against lateral displacement.

As a practical matter, each of the latches 146 and 148 is of a bellcrankconfiguration, having a vertical lever arm 153 and a horizontallyextended lever arm 154. Each latch is pivotally supported by a bracket156 and is spring-biased by a torsion spring 158, toward a positionwherein the lever arm 153 is latched to an adjacent one of the pins 150and 152. Each of the lever arms 153 is provided with a detent relief 160and an inlcined cam surface 162 so positioned that as the surface 162engages one of the pins 150 and 152 the lever arm 153 is cammedupwardly, against the applied force of the torsion spring 158. The leverarm 153, of course, is forced downwardly as the detent relief 160 isbrought into vertical alignment with the pin for thus completing alatching function in order to secure the transfer track 16 in a selectedposition relative to the tracks 12 and 14.

As a practical matter, each of the latches 146 and 148 is supported forrotation by a pivot pin 164 extending through the bracket 156, by adrawstring 166 affixed to the lever arm 154. The drawstring 166 extendsfrom the distal end of the lever arm 154 and is passed about a sheave168 and terminates in a depending handle 170 positioned to be grasped bya patient. Hence, it is to be understood that by manually tensioningeither of the drawstrings 166, the associated lever arm 154 is pivotedabout the pivot pin 164, against the force of the spring 158, forthereby rotating the detent 160 out of engagement with the associatedpin.

Continued tension of the drawstring 166 serves to draw the transfer arm124 in displacement along the slot 130. Hence, tension applied to adrawstring 166 serves to rotate the latch affixed thereto in anappropriate direction for releasing the detent 160 from engagement witha pin and for displacing the transfer arm 124 to its opposite bistableposition, whereupon the other latch is activated for latching thetransfer track 16 in the position to which it has been displaced inresponse to the tension applied to the drawstring 166.

In view of the fact that a relatively large number of patients maysimultaneously employ the network 10, it is necessary that means beprovided for arresting travelling motion of the trucks in the event thetrucks approach an open track within one of the bridges 100.Accordingly, each bridge 100 is provided with a pair of mechanical stops172 and 173, which serve to obstruct and thus arrest motion of a truck20 as it approaches an opening formed through the displacement for thetransfer track 16. As shown, the stop 172 is positioned above a segmentof the track 12 while the stop 173 is positioned above the track 14.

Since the stops 172 and 173 are of a similar design and function in asimilar manner, a detailed description of the stop 172 is deemedadequate to provide a complete understanding of the instant invention.

As best shown in H0. 5, the stop 172 includes a lever 174 pivotallysupported by a suspension bar 110 by a suitable pivot pin 176 andincludes a terminal block 178 fixed to the distal end thereof. The lever174 is sufficiently heavy at its distal end to permit the block 178 togravitate into engagement with the track segment. The opposite, or base,end of the lever 174 includes an inclined cam surface 180 immediatelyadjacent to the distal end of the transfer arm 124 and in the path ofthe distal end of the transfer arm 124. The distal end of the transferarm is provided with a double-wing cam 182 I having a pair of upwardlyinclined camming surfaces 184 which intercepts the cam surfaces 180 ofthe levers 174 as the arm 124 is advanced toward either of its bistablepositions. Hence, it is to be understood that as a arm 124 is displacedtoward a segment of the track 12, the cam surface of the cam 182 engagesthe cam surface 180 of the lever 174 for forcing the lever in pivotalrotation about the pivot pin 176 for thus elevating the terminal block178 to a height above the track 12 sufficient for accommodating passageof a truck 20 therebeneath. However, once the transfer track 16 isadvanced toward its opposite bistable condition, the cam surface of thelever 174 is disengaged by the cam surface of the cam 182 for therebypermitting the block 178 to fall into engagement with the adjacentsurface of the track 12 for establishing an obstacle for any truck 20 asit approaches the opening formed through the displacement of thetransfer track 16. Similarly, the stop 173 is activated as the transferarm 124 is repositioned to its initial bistable position forrepositioning the transfer track 16 between adjacent segments of thetrack 12.

Turning now to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, it is important to note that wheredesired, the transfer arm 124 can be displaced between its alternatepositions through the use of a motor-driven worm and internally threadedblock mechanism 200. in such instances, the mechanism 200 includes ablock 201 fixed to the terminal end of the transfer arm 124 and receivestherein a transversely oriented worm 202. The worm 202 is splined orotherwise suitably coupled to a drive sprocket 204 supported by suitablebearings 206. The sprocket 204, in turn, is driven by an electricallyenergizable motor 208 through a suitable chain-and-sprocket unit 210. Asa practical matter, the block 201 includes a finger 212 positioned toalternately engage one of a pair of normally closed limit switches 214and 216 mounted at opposite sides of the bridge 100. The motor 208, inturn, is a reversible motor such that the chain-and-sprocket unit 210 isreversely driven as the motor 208 is reversely energized. Consequently,as the motor 208 is energized, the chain-and-sprocket unit 210 isactivated for rotating the worm 202 for thus advancing the block 201therealong until the block and the transfer arm 124 coupled therewithare repositioned to the opposite side of the bridge 100. As the transferarm approaches the bistable position to which it is being moved, thefinger 212 serves to interrupt an electrical circuit by engaging one ofthe limit switches 214 and 216.

While not shown, it is to be understood that control over the directionof energization for the motor is achievable through a selective use ofcables coupled with a suitable switch, not shown.

OPERATION It is believed that in view of the foregoing description, theoperation of the system will be readily understood and it will bebriefly reviewed at this point.

With the network 10 suspended from the ceiling within a building, suchas a hospital or the like, a patient may be prepared to employ thesystem of the instant invention by being strapped into the harness 30and suspended beneath the hanger bar 38. The patient initiates operationby manually tensioning the selector leads 54 for causing the drum 42 toelevate the harness 30 to a height such that the harness assists thepatient by supporting a portion of the patients weight. The patient nowpropels himself along a secondary track 14 to a bridge 100. Uponapproaching the bridge 100, the truck 20 will engage a terminal block 178 of a stop 173 in the event the transfer track 16 has been removed froma position wherein it is extended between the secondary track 14 and theprimary track 12. In such instances, the patient will grasp the handle170, apply tension to the drawstring 166 for unlatching the latch 146and thereafter drawing the transfer track 16 in pivotal displacementinto an aligned relationship with the track 14 and the adjacent segment12. As the transfer track 16 approaches its position in alignment withthe track 14 and the adjacent segment of the track 12, the cam surface184 of the cam 182 engages and downwardly displaces the cam surface 180at the adjacent end of the lever 174 of the stop 173 for thus elevatingthe terminal block 178 to a height sufficient to accommodate passage ofthe truck 20 therebeneath. Once the block 178 is elevated the transfertrack 16 is latched into its appropriate bistable position by the latch148. As a practical matter, the over-center spring 142 assures thepatient that the transfer track 16 can never remain in a centeredposition whereby an accessible opening in the network it) is provided.

Once a patient has repositioned the transfer track 16 into anappropriate position with respect to the secondary track 14 and theprimary track 12, passage of the truck 24) beneath the terminal block178 is accommodated so that a patient can propel himself along the trackto a selected destination. Should the patient encounter a terminal block178 guarding a void in the primary track 12 created by a displacement ofthe transfer track 16, the appropriate drawstring 166 is tensioned forrepositioning the transfer track and lifting the terminal block 178.

In the event the patient becomes tired or suffers some disability, hisweight, upon being suspended in the harness 30, causes the brake pads 50to engage the lower surfaces of the adjacent lateral members 26 for thusarresting motion of the truck 20. The truck 20 will be thereby fixedrelative to the track until the patients weight is removed from thehanger bar 38 so that the spring 82 is permitted to recover and pivotthe arms 60 in a direction for thus withdrawing the brake pads 58 fromengagement with the adjacent surfaces of the members 26.

In view of the foregoing, it should readily be apparent that theambulatory system of the instant invention provides a practical solutionto the perplexing problem of assisting patients and the like inexercising, and in ambulating between spaced zones or areas definedwithin buildings, including hospitals, rest homes and the like.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what isconceived to be the most practical and preferred system, it isrecognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of theinvention, which is not to be limited to the illustrative detailsdisclosed.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:

1. A system for use in assisting debilitated ambulatory patientscomprising:

A. a network of tracks extended between mutually spaced points;

B. a truck including a plurality of wheels mounted on the tracks of saidnetwork and supported for rolling displacement therealong;

C. support means suspended from the truck for receiving a human body andpartially supporting the weight of the body in suspension; and

D. brake means mounted on said truck and connected with said supportmeans for restraining the truck against rolling displacement in responseto a predetermined load of weight applied to said support means to besupported in suspension thereby.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said network includes a primary trackand a secondary track angularly related to the primary track forreceiving said truck, and transfer means for transferring the truckbetween said segments.

3. The system of claim 2 further including suspension means forsuspending said network above a walkway.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said system is supported within abuilding and the primary track is extended along a corridor and saidauxiliary track is extended through a doorway opening into the corridor.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said transfer means includes a transfertrack alternately displaceable between a first position wherein thetransfer track is aligned with adjacent portions of the primary trackand a second position wherein the transfer track is aligned withadjacent portions of the primary track and the secondary track.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said transfer means further includes:

A. means pivotally coupling said transfer track with said primary track,means for supporting said transfer track for pivotal displacement incoplanar relationship with said primary track and said secondary track;and

B. means for displacing said transfer track between said first andsecond positions.

7. An ambulatory system supported within a building comprising:

A. means including a network of tracks including a primary trackextending along a corridor within a building, an auxiliary trackextended through a doorway opening into the corridor, and transfer meansincluding a transfer track, means pivotally coupling the transfer trackwith the primary track for pivotal displacement in coplanar relationwith the primary track and the secondary track between a first positionwherein the transfer track is aligned with mutually spaced adjacentportions of the primary track, and a second position wherein thetransfer track is aligned with mutually spaced adjacent portions of theprimary track and the secondary track, and means for displacing saidtransfer track between said first and second positions; and

a truck mated with said tracks and supported for movement therealong,including support means depending from said truck for lending support toa human body, and a plurality of wheels affixed to the truck andvertically supported by the tracks of said network, and brake meansresponsive to predetermined forces downwardly applied to said supportmeans for arresting motion of said truck.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said support means comprises meansincluding a flexible member for receiving a human being.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said support means further includes awinch interposed between said truck and said flexible member forvertically repositioning said flexible member relative to said truck.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said transfer means further includes aselectively energizable actuator for repositioning said transfer trackbetween said first and second positions.

11. The system of claim 10 further comprising arresting means responsiveto displacement of said transfer track for arresting motion of saidtruck.

12. An ambulatory system for use, by those having debilitated ambulaborycapabilities, in acquiring access to multiple, mutually remote zoneswithin homes, hospitals, rest homes and similar establishments whereincare for the weakened, aged and the crippled is dispensed, comprising:

A. a network of tracks suspended above walkways extended between saidareas and including a primary track, a plurality of secondary tracks,each of the secondary tracks being extended from a point in closeproximity with the primary track and terminating at a point located in azone remote therefrom:

B. selectively operable transfer means displaceable along a given pathincluding means for coupling the secondary tracks with said primarytrack;

C. a travelling truck supported for rolling motion along said networkand having a harness depending therefrom and configured to support theweight of a human body in suspension;

D. selectively operable means for elevating and lowering said harness;

E. means responsive to a change in weight supported by said harness forarresting rolling motion of said travelling truck; and

F. means adjacent said transfer means and responsive thereto forpositioning a barrier in the path of said travelling truck, whereby therolling motion of said truck is arrested as said transfer means isoperated.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said means responsive to a change inweight supported by said harness for arresting rolling motion of saidtravelling truck includes a plurality of pivotally supported arms, eachhaving affixed to the distal end thereof a brake pad, and means forpivoting said arms in a direction such that said pads are displaced intofrictional engagement with a surface of the track of said network.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein the means adjacent said transfermeans and responsive thereto for positioning a barrier in the path ofsaid travelling truck includes a terminal block supported at the distalend of the cam-operated lever positioned in the path of said transfermeans.

1. A system for use in assisting debilitated ambulatory patientscomprising: A. a network of tracks extended between mutually spacedpoints; B. a truck including a plurality of wheels mounted on the tracksof said network and supported for rolling displacement therealong; C.support means suspended from the truck for receiving a human body andpartially supporting the weight of the body in suspension; And D. brakemeans mounted on said truck and connected with said support means forrestraining the truck against rolling displacement in response to apredetermined load of weight applied to said support means to besupported in suspension thereby.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein saidnetwork includes a primary track and a secondary track angularly relatedto the primary track for receiving said truck, and transfer means fortransferring the truck between said segments.
 3. The system of claim 2further including suspension means for suspending said network above awalkway.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said system is supportedwithin a building and the primary track is extended along a corridor andsaid auxiliary track is extended through a doorway opening into thecorridor.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein said transfer means includesa transfer track alternately displaceable between a first positionwherein the transfer track is aligned with adjacent portions of theprimary track and a second position wherein the transfer track isaligned with adjacent portions of the primary track and the secondarytrack.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein said transfer means furtherincludes: A. means pivotally coupling said transfer track with saidprimary track, means for supporting said transfer track for pivotaldisplacement in coplanar relationship with said primary track and saidsecondary track; and B. means for displacing said transfer track betweensaid first and second positions.
 7. An ambulatory system supportedwithin a building comprising: A. means including a network of tracksincluding a primary track extending along a corridor within a building,an auxiliary track extended through a doorway opening into the corridor,and transfer means including a transfer track, means pivotally couplingthe transfer track with the primary track for pivotal displacement incoplanar relation with the primary track and the secondary track betweena first position wherein the transfer track is aligned with mutuallyspaced adjacent portions of the primary track, and a second positionwherein the transfer track is aligned with mutually spaced adjacentportions of the primary track and the secondary track, and means fordisplacing said transfer track between said first and second positions;and B. a truck mated with said tracks and supported for movementtherealong, including support means depending from said truck forlending support to a human body, and a plurality of wheels affixed tothe truck and vertically supported by the tracks of said network, andbrake means responsive to predetermined forces downwardly applied tosaid support means for arresting motion of said truck.
 8. The system ofclaim 7 wherein said support means comprises means including a flexiblemember for receiving a human being.
 9. The system of claim 8 whereinsaid support means further includes a winch interposed between saidtruck and said flexible member for vertically repositioning saidflexible member relative to said truck.
 10. The system of claim 9wherein said transfer means further includes a selectively energizableactuator for repositioning said transfer track between said first andsecond positions.
 11. The system of claim 10 further comprisingarresting means responsive to displacement of said transfer track forarresting motion of said truck.
 12. An ambulatory system for use, bythose having debilitated ambulabory capabilities, in acquiring access tomultiple, mutually remote zones within homes, hospitals, rest homes andsimilar establishments wherein care for the weakened, aged and thecrippled is dispensed, comprising: A. a network of tracks suspendedabove walkways extended between said areas and including a primarytrack, a plurality of secondary tracks, each of the secondary tracksbeing extended from a point in close proximity with the primary trackand terminating at a point located in a zone remote therefrom: B.selectively Operable transfer means displaceable along a given pathincluding means for coupling the secondary tracks with said primarytrack; C. a travelling truck supported for rolling motion along saidnetwork and having a harness depending therefrom and configured tosupport the weight of a human body in suspension; D. selectivelyoperable means for elevating and lowering said harness; E. meansresponsive to a change in weight supported by said harness for arrestingrolling motion of said travelling truck; and F. means adjacent saidtransfer means and responsive thereto for positioning a barrier in thepath of said travelling truck, whereby the rolling motion of said truckis arrested as said transfer means is operated.
 13. The system of claim12 wherein said means responsive to a change in weight supported by saidharness for arresting rolling motion of said travelling truck includes aplurality of pivotally supported arms, each having affixed to the distalend thereof a brake pad, and means for pivoting said arms in a directionsuch that said pads are displaced into frictional engagement with asurface of the track of said network.
 14. The system of claim 12 whereinthe means adjacent said transfer means and responsive thereto forpositioning a barrier in the path of said travelling truck includes aterminal block supported at the distal end of the cam-operated leverpositioned in the path of said transfer means.